UPDATED JUNE 28, 2024: Funeral information was added to this report.

Taos, N.M., farrier Roger Tomlinson passed away over the weekend from pancreatic cancer. He was 51.

Tomlinson was popular throughout the industry and known for his hard-working, straight-shooting and generous personality.

“Roger Tomlinson was the biggest, roughest, [onerous], hardest SOB you could ever run cross of,” writes Ben Sturman of Tuscon, Ariz. “But he was also the nicest, kindest, most caring, helpful, give you the shirt off his back great guy! Roger came to visit for a week and helped me shoe horses just because. Roger, Jeff Holder and Justin Ebner came to my rescue together (along with others), when I had hand surgery for an infection. Many lives have been touched by Roger, either in person or through the internet. He will be missed.”

Maryland farrier Herry Serio adds, “Roger was easy to read because of his no-nonsense ways. He told it like it was and he stuck by the age-old adage, ‘mean what you say and say what you mean.’”

Tomlinson’s solemn approach to life and relationships struck a chord with all who knew him.

“I didn't know you for long, but you immediately became a friend,” Wyoming farrier Lacelynn Channell writes. “Not afraid to speak your mind, not afraid to help. … I can’t imagine the knowledge I would’ve gained from your experience and willingness to explain shoeing, riding and saddles, let alone life. I’m not sure you ever met a stranger and I’m glad to have been in your path.”

Funeral services will be at 5 p.m. July 13, 2024, at Rodeo de Santa Fe Grounds in Santa Fe, N.M.